Siva Vanajah’s name is one that deserves to be celebrated, not just in Malaysia but across the world. Born on March 2, 1971, in Kulim, Malaysia, she was an ambitious engineer who defied societal norms, challenged the status quo, and dared to dream beyond the skies. In 2003, she became a finalist in Malaysia’s historic Angkasawan space program, a collaborative effort between Malaysia and Russia to send a Malaysian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).
Out of 11,000 hopeful applicants, Siva was among the final four who made it through the grueling selection process. Notably, she was the only woman and the only ethnic Indian in the final stage—a rare and powerful representation of resilience and determination. Though she ultimately lost her bid to Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Faiz Khaleed, her journey was far from over.
Her story is not just one of ambition but also of perseverance, resilience, and an unshakable belief in breaking barriers.
Siva Vanajah: Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Arena
Siva Vanajah’s journey to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia was groundbreaking. She trained alongside her fellow candidates, enduring the physical and mental challenges that astronauts face. However, her greatest battle was not just against gravity—it was against deeply ingrained societal perceptions.
As a Malaysian Indian woman, Siva Vanajah had to fight against the gender biases and racial prejudices that questioned her place in a space program. The media coverage she received was often laced with scrutiny rather than celebration. Yet, she stood strong. Every simulation, every zero-gravity training session, and every test she passed was proof that she belonged.
Though she did not make it to space, her fight was never against her fellow candidates—it was against a world that doubted her ability. And in that battle, she emerged victorious.
A New Chapter: Redefining Success in Engineering and Academia
Many expected Siva Vanajah to fade into obscurity after 2007, but she proved them wrong once again. Refusing to let one setback define her, she pursued higher education and carved out an exceptional career in engineering and academia.
Today, Siva Vanajah serves as an Assistant Professor at Jönköping University’s School of Engineering in Sweden. She leads the Sustainable Supply Chain Management Program, teaches research methods, and delves into cutting-edge studies on AI-driven quality inspection in the manufacturing industry.
Her work now focuses on how automation affects employees and the sustainability of industries, proving that her mission to push boundaries did not stop with the space program.
A Life of Bold Choices and Endless Adventure
Siva’s journey has been anything but conventional. From being a quality engineer in Malaysia to an academic leader in Sweden, she has embraced change at every turn.
Her time at Chalmers University of Technology, where she earned her PhD, was a period of rigorous learning and research. After graduation, she moved to Trinity College Dublin for a post-doctoral position before returning to Sweden in 2017 to begin her tenure at Jönköping University.
Siva Vanajah describes her career as an “adventure,” always embracing new challenges, new countries, and new opportunities. While many people fear change, she thrives in it.
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